James, the True Man of God

“James, the True Man of God” (James 1:1)
Dr. W. Jamie Kim

 I. Two Major Themes
The way to God
The walk with God

 II. The Most Critical Question
“If you say you believe, why don’t you act like one?”

 III. Possible Authors
James, the older brother of John, a son of Zebedee (Acts 12:2)
James the younger, a son of Alpheus (Mk. 15:40)
James, the father of Judas (Acts 1:13)
James, a son of Joseph, the half-brother of Jesus (Acts 1:14; Mt. 13:54-56)

 IV. Insight Into the Making of a Man
Grew up in the shadow of a “perfect” man
That “perfect” man one day became a controversial figure.
Rejected Jesus altogether (John 7:5)
Became a believer sometime before Pentecost (Acts 1:14; I Cor. 15:7)
Gradually became the leader (Acts 12:17; Gal. 1:18-19)
Eventually became a pillar of the Jerusalem church (Gal. 2:9)
He was martyred at Jerusalem in 62 A.D. by Ananias, the high priest

 V. The Lesson: Be proud of who you are but stay humble (security). The insecurity is often the root of self-promotion.

 VI. Guidelines for Maintaining Balance (Gene Getz)
Be faithful in “little things”
When given a job, do it well with all your heart, and without expecting public recognition; but when you get it, accept it gracefully. Be encouraged.
Let others promote your capabilities and accomplishments
Demonstrate your capabilities by your work rather than your words.
Don’t put yourself down but don’t be a self-promoter.